A special fast-track Pocso court in Haridwar has sentenced a local sadhu to life imprisonment for raping a six-year-old girl in 2024. The court also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on the convict.
Details of the Incident
The sexual assault took place on February 9, 2024, in Kankhal. The culprit lured the child to his hut under the pretext of offering her sweets and assaulted her. Upon returning home in deep distress, the survivor narrated the ordeal to her father, who lodged a case in the matter. The culprit was arrested that same night while attempting to flee the area.
Investigation and Evidence
Investigating officer Sonal Rawat told TOI, “The medical examination and forensic reports confirmed the rape. Following the investigation, we filed a chargesheet and produced seven witnesses before the court.”
Court Verdict and Compensation
Government counsel Adesh Chauhan said, “The court found the sadhu guilty of raping a minor under the relevant sections of the Pocso Act and sentenced him to life imprisonment alongside the financial penalty. The court ordered that if the fine is not paid, the accused will serve an additional six months in prison. Furthermore, the court directed the district magistrate and the district legal services authority (DLSA) to provide ₹7 lakh as compensation to the victim for her mental, educational and physical rehabilitation.”
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